Complete HarpWeek Explanation:Republican nominee James Blaine made the protective tariff the center of his presidential campaign, proclaiming that it would benefit all Americans, especially the working class. Cartoonist Thomas Nast and other reformers believed that low tariffs or even free trade would be economically advantageous for most Americans and promote peaceful international relations. In this picture, it is government corruption that increases taxes, closes business and industry, and undermines the standard of living for all Americans.